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The industry is mourning today with the Carter family after the sudden passing of Aadvanced Limousines Founder and CEO Ken Carter and his mother, Valarie, who both passed due to complications of COVID within hours of each other on December 6.
Ken founded Aadvanced Limousines in 2005 as a touching tribute to his sister, Kristie, who was struggling to find a limousine company for her high school prom. Ken embraced his entrepreneurial spirit, eventually leaving his full-time position as an electrician and building Aadvanced with Kristie over the past two decades. Their mom, Valarie, also worked for Aadvanced. She was known as the “office mom,” pitching in wherever needed to make things run smoother for the team.
Known as kind, generous, funny, infinitely curious, and passionate about his business, Ken was a regular at the industry shows for the past decade and was a tireless advocate for the National Limousine Association, serving on the Board for the Central Region, but was also a frequent attendee of associations throughout the country. During NELA’s light-hearted Cocktails & Tales Zoom meeting in 2020, he hilariously introduced Homer, his pet cow and a bit of a local celebrity with his own Facebook followers. He was always one to step up and offer a helping hand or a little advice.
More than just a business, Ken made giving back to his community the cornerstone of Aadvanced. The brother-and-sister team were frequent contributors to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Children’s Bureau as well as local animal sanctuaries. In 2016, the Carters introduced CD to Wish For Our Heroes, which became the charity for the 2016 and 2017 CD Shows.
Ken is survived by his longtime love and wife Linda and their children Mekayla and Dylan, as well as his sister Kristie, her partner Ruben Ayala, and their son Alexander.
Sending our thoughts and love to the Carter family, industry friends, and the entire Aadvanced Limousine team.
A viewing (noon-4:00 p.m.), service (4:00 p.m.), and a Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, December 15 at the Community Life Center in Indianapolis, located at 10612 E. Washington Street.
There has been an outpouring of love and remembrances on social media since the news broke on Monday. Some Facebook posts:
Ken has been an inspiration for me since I met him the first time in Atlantic City at a show. Confident, friendly, and ALWAYS ready to help or just talk. Rest in peace. — Paul Walsh of Superior Executive Transportation
Sitting here in shock. Ken is such an integral part of this board. His passion, knowledge, and vision for [the NLA] was such a valuable asset and will be greatly missed. Prayers of strength to the Carter family during this traumatic time. — Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine & Bus
There's NO ONE on this Earth MORE genuine, thoughtful and caring than Ken, he was such an amazing friend to me—he was always there for you no matter what!! My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to Linda, Dylan, Kristie and their families now and every day going forward. — David Erdman of ECS Transportation Group
Ken was an example of how an operator in our industry handled himself both personally and professionally. He was such a sweet man, funny, always made me laugh, but most of all he loved his family. We lost a great man way too young. He will be missed by this industry and the Commonwealth family. We pray for his family and love you Kristie Carter — Tami Rutter of Commonwealth Worldwide
Ken KJ Carter, I want to thank you for always holding the door open for new guys like I was and others that followed. Your passion for integration and countless other things was amazing. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to spend much time with you before God needed another angel. You will be remembered forever. May your memory be a blessing, friend! — Dave Uziel of UrbanBCN
I am so saddened to hear this news Ken was an icon and a good friend. My condolences to the family; he was an amazing man. I will miss his advice and smiling face. — Darren Croasdale of La Costa Limousine
A man who truly would do anything for anyone...anytime, a true leader and someone who held the bar when it comes to family...My heart hurts for his family. — David J. Sacco of LGE Coachworks
[12.08.21]
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SMARTCars Founder Stuart Rothstein has announced that the company was sold to Chicago-area Viatas Global Chauffeured Transportation in mid-November. The company will continue to operate under the SMARTCars name for the foreseeable future with staff and IO drivers continuing to work for the new organization.
SMARTCars Founder Stuart Rothstein
Rothstein says that although largely retired, he will remain “tethered” during the transition and will continue to help grow business under the SMARTCars name. Rothstein has known Viatas Owner Dimitri Sariev for several years, and says he has a “great relationship” with him.
“I’m very optimistic and positive about [the purchase],” says Rothstein. “It was time… It’s better for the company to be in the hands of a younger man who can provide the necessary energy to take this thing forward.”
SMARTCars recently celebrated its 26th year of operation. The company has completed more than 1 million rides with a success rate of 99.8 percent. A highly regarded industry veteran, Rothstein served as treasurer and board member for the National Limousine Association (NLA). In addition, he held the roles of vice president and secretary/treasurer of the Illinois Limousine & Bus Association, and is chairman of the 20 group Chauffeured Success Group. Rothstein also was a speaker at three national conventions, delivering acclaimed presentations on industry-related topics.
Rothstein looks forward to playing pickleball in his free time, and has been approached by several companies in outside industries.
Visit smartcarsinc.com or viatastrans.com for more information.
[12.07.21]
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Did you know that the 2021 CD/NLA Show in Dallas had a HUGE celebrity guest from the world of automotive rebuilds? Richard Rawlings, owner of Gas Monkey Garage, co-host of the Discovery Channel’s Garage Rehab, and one-of-a-kind builder/refurbisher, stopped by the show on October 13 to scope out some seats—and it’s all on video!
Working with David and Alexa Sacco of LGE Coachworks, the husband-and-wife team introduced Rawlings to CD President Chris Weiss and CEO Eric Alpert of Premier Products (also CEO of CD), the leading manufacturer of seating, air conditioning, and windows to the bus and RV industries.
Rawlings’ team, which includes Chase, Kenny, and Phipps, are currently gutting a traditional yellow school bus and converting it into a sweet new ride for restaurant chain Raising Cane’s, a chicken fingers joint based primarily throughout the West and Southwest. With frame work done, the Gas Monkey team was on the hunt for some custom seats, and the CD/NLA Show just happened to be in town!
Alpert and Rawlings immediately got down to business about the build and the seating options at Premier’s booth on the show floor at the Gaylord Texan, going over the specifics and ensuring that the seats would be the perfect final touch for a kickass bus interior. After testing a few of Premier’s chairs personally, Rawlings found the best fit for the project, which will include the restaurant’s logo on the headrest and contrast stitching to match their signature colors.
Rawlings and the crew also stuck around the show floor to sign some autographs and take pictures with attendees and vendors.
The whole experience was captured by Gas Monkey’s film crew and is currently available on Rawlings’ YouTube channel. You can see the full video here (Rawlings on the CD/NLA Show floor starts at 4:40). And be sure to check out future episodes as the bus is in the final stages and almost ready for reveal—at least, that’s the plan!
You can also view Premier Products’ full lineup of custom seating at premierproducts.net.
[12.07.21]